“Kidnappers Demand N30 Million Ransom for Two Women Abducted in Kwara”

In the early hours of Sunday, two women were abducted in Igbaja, a town located in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The women, along with a third victim, were reportedly taken by gunmen suspected to be itinerant herdsmen. While one of the women managed to escape, the other two were believed to have been transported to a forested area around Igbaja and Oke-Ode, raising significant concern within the community.

The kidnappers have since contacted the families of the two remaining captives, demanding a ransom of N30 million for their release. This was confirmed by the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Femi Yusuf, in an interview with PUNCH Metro on Thursday. He mentioned that negotiations have begun, but it is unclear how far the discussions have progressed.

Kidnappings have become an increasingly alarming issue across various parts of Nigeria, and Kwara State is no exception. These incidents create a sense of fear and insecurity, affecting not only the immediate families but also the wider community. With the rise in such violent crimes, citizens often find themselves at the mercy of criminal elements who prey on rural and semi-urban areas where security presence is limited.

This particular kidnapping highlights the vulnerability of rural communities in Kwara State and across Nigeria. The abductors, believed to be itinerant herdsmen, have reportedly taken refuge in the forests that border many towns in the region, making it difficult for security forces to track them down without significant manpower and intelligence support. The lack of adequate resources to address these challenges often means that families are forced to negotiate with the kidnappers, sometimes resulting in heavy financial losses or worse outcomes if the ransom demands are not met.

The residents of Igbaja are now anxiously awaiting news of the safe return of the two women. Meanwhile, authorities are encouraging vigilance and have called on the government to intensify efforts to secure the release of the captives while addressing the growing insecurity in the region